Lancs lass Louisa helps England beat Swiss

LOUISA Brunt, from Ashton-under-Lyne, scored maximum points as England girls scored a convincing 7-2 win over Switzerland in their U16 international at Heswall.

LOUISA BRUNT

They played in difficult conditions of blustery winds and some rain which, coupled with the fast greens, set a tough challenge. But they coped well, particularly in the afternoon singles.

England coach Scott Godfrey commented: “For some of the girls this was the first time they’d played at this level and they enjoyed it, got on well as a team and produced a good result. It was a convincing win.”

The team led 2-1 after the morning foursomes, thanks to a turnaround in fortunes by Mollie Lawrence of Kent and Amelia Williamson of Norfolk. They were four down with eight to play but won on the last to give England the advantage. “We were looking at going into lunch down but they played the back nine very, very well and gave us a lead,” said Scott.

Natasha Slater went out first in the singles and kept the momentum going. The new Scottish U14 champion from Cumbria had a handful of birdies in the front nine and led by three at the turn, before winning 4/3. “She got us off to a great start,” said Scott.

English U15 champion Emily Price soon followed her in to the winner’s circle with a 7/6 success – despite losing the first hole! The Warwickshire player was under par for her match, producing an outstanding performance for the team.

Solid play brought wins for Amelia Williamson and Martha Lewis of Surrey. Meanwhile, Lancashire’s Louisa Brunt was trailing by one hole with four to play, but fashioned a strong finish, helped by a couple of birdies, to win on the last.